Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” the CEO stated.

Club Context

The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.